EX-istential Crisis

Chapter 2: The Uninvited Side Dish

Nelly sat at a corner table in Cyberton University's cafeteria, his gaze fixed on the tray of food in front of him. The fries were soggy, the sandwich looked unappetizing, and his mood was just as drab as the weather outside. Rainy days and heartbreak do not mix well, he thought, poking at the food with the same enthusiasm he'd reserve for a math test.

"Wow dawg, you really know how to enjoy lunch," came a voice that broke through his gloomy reverie. Shin plopped down across from him, a mischievous glint in his eye. "What's wrong? Did your food get a bad haircut?"

"Funny," Nelly replied flatly, pushing his fries around. "Just contemplating life, you know?"

"More like contemplating how to eat your feelings" Shin laughed, nudging the tray. "You should try some humor. It works well on idiots such as you"

"Yeah, well, it's hard to laugh when you're reminded of your ex every time you turn around," Nelly grumbled, glancing out the window at the rain-soaked campus.

"Speaking of which," Shin said, leaning closer, "I think I just saw Mira."

Nelly's heart did a little flip. "Mira? Here?"

"Yep! She's in the other building across the bay," Shin confirmed, grinning.

Just as Nelly was about to process this information, a sudden gust of wind whipped through the cafeteria, and out of nowhere, a stray pair of underwear flew right at him, landing squarely on his face.

"What the—?!" Nelly yelped, peeling the fabric off in disbelief.

Shin burst into laughter, doubling over. "Dude, that's one way to spice up lunch! Talk about an uninvited side dish!"

"Very funny, bro" Nelly muttered, cheeks burning with embarrassment. He hastily tossed the underwear aside, only to glance out the window again and catch sight of Mira strolling down the path, her innocent smile cutting through the gloomy weather like a beacon of light.

"Wow, what a good side dish," he mumbled under his breath, eyes glued to her.

Mira looked up just then, her gaze landing on him. For a moment, the world slowed down. She walked toward him with a brightness that made the rain outside feel less dreary. But as she approached, Nelly could have sworn he sensed an underlying intensity in her demeanor.

"Hey, Nelly!" she called, her voice cheerful and light.

"Hey, Mira!" he replied, trying to keep his voice steady. "What brings you here?"

"I was just grabbing some lunch with my friends," she said, her eyes sparkling. "But they're running late. What about you? Enjoying your—" she glanced at his tray and raised an eyebrow, "... lunch?"

Nelly couldn't help but laugh nervously. "More like having a culinary disaster. Want to trade? I hear my soggy fries are poopy."

Mira giggled, shaking her head. "No thanks, I'll pass. I like my food without a side of embarrassment."

Just then, Shin interjected, a mischievous grin on his face. "Nelly here was just about to demonstrate his unique way of making lunch extra interesting!"

Mira's curiosity piqued. "Oh? How's that?"

Nelly's eyes widened. "Wait, no! I was just—"

Before he could finish, Shin dramatically reenacted the moment when the underwear had flown onto Nelly's face, complete with exaggerated sound effects. "And then—BAM! A face full of fabric!"

Mira burst into laughter, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "That's quite a talent, Nelly! I had no idea you were such a performer!"

Nelly felt the heat rise in his cheeks. "Yeah, well, I prefer to keep my talents hidden."